Top 5 Healthy Coffee Shop Picks

Eating healthily at home is relatively easy, right? However, hectic schedules mean it’s commonplace to grab something from the nearest coffee shop for breakfast or lunch, because, well; convenience! Knowing which options are healthy can be a bit of a mine field, so I’ve taken the hassle out it for next time you’re caught in the convenience trap. Read on for my Top 5 Healthy Coffee Shop Picks!

1. Tea

Us Brits love our tea, and for good reason; it’s warm, comforting and just seems fix any problem. It’s also really good for us; a cup of tea is low in calories (sans milk and sugar), counts towards our daily fluid intake and contains polyphenols. The latter are thought to act as potent antioxidants, protecting our cells from environmental damage and stress. Craving more traditional American favourites? Watch the video below to learn how to make your order healthier:

Next time you find yourself grabbing breakfast on the go, turn to another warm and comforting British classic; porridge. Oats offer slow-release carbs and fibre to keep us going for longer. Pair with a handful of nuts and banana for an extra dose of fibre, as well as some healthy fats and protein.

3. Bircher

Prefer a more continental approach to breakfast? Rather than croissants and Danishes, go for a Scandi favourite; birchers. These contain slow-release carbs (again; thanks to the oats) as well as a generous amount of fibre from fruits, and protein from milk and yoghurt.

4. Chicken salad wrap

Ok so breakfast has been and gone; how about lunch? Whilst you could always go wild and still order one of the above breakfast options (hey; who doesn’t love a bit of brunch?!), go for a chicken salad wrap if you’re craving a more traditional lunch option. High in protein, vitamins and minerals, and with the perfect balance between enough and too many carbs, this will set you up nicely for the afternoon.

5. Soup with hard boiled eggs

In need of something a little more warming now that the temperature has fallen? Choose the soup option; a great one for fixing any comfort food cravings. Pick veg-based soups over creamier options to reduce the saturated fat and calorie content, and send you well on your way to meeting your 5-a-day. Pair with a side of hard boiled eggs for a satiating hit of high-quality protein.

Coffee shops are famed for their calorie-dense, nutrient-poor food and drinks menus. However, most chains now offer healthy food options for both breakfast and lunch. Knowing how to tweak your drinks order can also really help you swerve any unnecessary added sugars and calories. Indeed, being time-poor doesn’t have to mean forfeiting your health; next time you’re grabbing your food on the go why not try one of the above options.